There are several aspects of archery that are often related to the practice of yoga.
(see http://www.swamij.com/archery-karma-yoga.htm).
First, there is the target. In yoga the target is the practice of being one pointed, focusing the mind, concentrating and ultimately obtaining the goal of Self-realization or Cosmic Consciousness. In order to aim at the target, it is necessary to ask yourself, “What do I want.” Identifying what you want, your desires, enables the mind to see the target more clearly and adjust the aim of your actions as needed.
The next aspect is the arrows which are like your
actions. There are three places the
arrows can be. They can be in the
quiver, waiting to be used. These arrows
are related to latent desires that can pop up to be acted upon when
circumstances are right. These can also
be results of past actions that take time to be fulfilled. This is the meaning of the word karma. Karma means action; it means for every action
taken there WILL BE a reaction that results.
This does not necessarily mean BAD; it is simply a reaction, a cause and
effect. The action can be a thought, a
word, or a deed. All will create a
reaction of some kind. A more familiar
phrase that relates to this is, “As you sow, so shall you reap.” It is a universal principle. So a practice you can do is to be more aware of your thoughts, words,
deeds, desires and the possible effects they might have and then to take aim so
that they “do no harm.”
When an arrow comes up from the quiver and taken in hand to
shoot, is the time to consider the above points, to be more aware of what you
are getting ready to do, whether the action is useful or not useful. At this point you can still be in control, you
still have a choice of what to do, free will.
This is where the greatest amount of practice takes place.
Once the arrow is shot, is in the air, you have no
control. The action is in play and the
reaction will follow. It will “play
out.” The practice at this point is to
accept the consequences and take responsibility even if the results are bad. In such cases, often we want to blame someone
or something else or think, “It is God’s will,” ignoring our role as the actor,
the cause. Accepting and understanding
this can help one avoid repeating such actions or avoid causing more negative
reactions such as getting mad, jealous, or feeling guilty.
Another scenario happens when a desire is fulfilled, the
target is hit, and you get what you want.
In this situation the aspect of being attached to the outcome can create
more desires or reactions. You might
want to protect what you obtained, or feel proud or superior to others because
of an accomplishment. Such feelings, as
well as the negative ones mentioned above associated with unfulfilled desires, can
create even more desires or cause difficulty for others, a cycle of karma. The practice continually must be to be aware – aware of desires,
attractions, fears, actions, reactions – and to be responsible.
Another term that can be related to archery is “sin.” A less familiar definition of the word is
found in the Greek language that was used in archery meaning “to miss the
mark.” So instead of thinking of “sin”
as doing evil or wrong, think of it as “missing the target” or misunderstanding
and notice how the feel of it changes.
Such a change of thought might help us to overcome our mistakes and look
for ways to correct them and deal with future actions.
In yoga teachings four main misunderstandings, called
avidya, are identified. They are: thinking that the “human self” is our True, Eternal Self;
forgetting the temporariness of things; forgetting things that cause temporary happiness usually result
in misery; regarding impure things as pure. These misunderstandings lead to attachments,
aversions and fears that create mental disturbances which will need to be
addressed in order to meditate.
All have “misunderstood” and come short of Pure Consciousness. (compare with Roman’s 3:23)
In you daily yoga practice, be aware of your arrows, actions. Consider your choices or aim, your reactions, the effects; take responsibility and strive to understand and be true to yourself.